Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.
Bewertet mit 3.5 Sternen
Many kids have imaginary friends, who last for varying periods of time, disappearing somewhere along the way as their creators grow up. What if they are not imaginary, but inhabit a strange twilight world where they can be seen only by one another, and the children who created them? The author builds his tale on this intriguing premise, and creates a fantasy world which is unique.
In Budo's world, imaginary friends are built the way their creators imagined them to be: Budo is luckier than most, because he is of normal size, can talk, and can pass through closed doors and windows. Max, an autistic child, cannot interact properly with the world. All his suppressed creativity has gone into the production of Budo, and it is Budo who sustains him through difficult situations. And it is through Budo's eyes we come to know the world of Max.
There seemed to be a lot of potential in a set up like that.
What the book ends up doing with this premise is rather disappointing though, and the ending was, at least for me, a predictable, emotional cliché. Some aspects of the plot were a little frustrating, as it takes Budo a long time to think of things that, as a reader, I came up with instantly.
However, I felt that the writing was strong and I really liked the way that Max is portrayed. He can be annoying and frustrating, and the book never sugarcoats that. However, he is also lovable and well-loved by his parents, his teachers, and Budo himself. An enjoyable read if you are not having any great expectations, in fact, I think I liked the premise of this book more than the story itself.
This is a good book with a promising start and a touching ending, I just expected more, maybe just something different, of its whole.